Growth and Yield Performance of Five Guar Cultivars in a Mediterranean Environment

In order to evaluate growth and yield performance of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) in Mediterranean area, main morphological parameters (plant height, dry weight of single plant parts, branch and leaf number), dry biomass accumulation and seed yield response of five varieties of guar (Esser, Malosan, Kinman, Lewis and Santa Cruz) were studied. Seed crude protein and fibre content were also determined. Irrigation was applied to ensure that water availability did not limit production. The growing season of guar lasted for 120 days for all the varieties. Average plant height at harvest was about 63 cm (ranging from 56.0 to 70.6 cm). The highest dry weight increment was recorded during 55-70 days after sowing. Malosan, Santa Cruz and Kinman showed the highest individual seed weight (> 30 mg). Above average leaf and branch number were observed in Kinman, Esser and Santa Cruz. The greatest seed protein content was observed in Lewis and Esser (35.6% and 34.7%). High yield and seed quality were obtained in these environments with limited water supply, indicating that guar may represent a valid alternative multipurpose crop for semiarid regions.